ירמיהו, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ו׳

The exiles in Babylon are instructed to settle down, embrace a normal existence, and build families, as they face a prolonged stay rather than an immediate return [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The directive to marry follows the earlier advice to build houses and plant gardens, establishing a practical model for life. It teaches that a person must first secure financial stability and a home before taking a spouse [חומת אנך].

Typically, individuals experiencing deep sorrow or living through a time of crisis are not expected to marry and bring children into the world. However, this specific exile was designed for their ultimate good, serving as a refuge to save them from the violence and death ravaging the Land of Israel. Because of this protective purpose and the expected length of their stay, establishing new families was not merely permitted, but actively required [חומת אנך].

The exiles are expected to have children while still in Babylon [מצודת דוד], with the goal of raising large families that go beyond the basic minimum requirements of the Commandment to procreate [חומת אנך]. Furthermore, parents bear the responsibility of securing the next generation by marrying off their children [חומת אנך]. The clear instruction to find spouses for their sons and daughters is intended to eliminate any false hope that the youth might soon return to the Land of Israel to marry. Sending children back was entirely unsafe, as those remaining in the land were destined to be killed [מלבי״ם].

The message concludes with a firm emphasis on multiplying specifically within the land of exile, paired with a warning not to decrease in number. The exiles must not avoid marriage and childbirth. If the older generation passes away without leaving children to take their place, the exiled community will inevitably dwindle and fade away [מצודת דוד].